O’Brien out after breaking thumb in four places

NEIL MCGLADE

Livingston have been hit by a blow with the news that veteran midfielder Burton O’Brien has been ruled out for up to eight weeks after undergoing an operation on a broken thumb.

The injury occurred during last Saturday’s narrow defeat at home to Dumbarton after a tackle with the Sons’ Chris Turner.

The former Falkirk and Sheffield Wednesday player, pictured right, actually played on despite the injury but a scan on Tuesday revealed the severity of the damage.

“Burton is going to be out for between six to eight weeks so that’s a big blow,” McGlynn said.

“He’s broken his thumb in four places and it’s come away from the ligament so he’s had an operation.”

McGlynn is, however, hopeful defenders Simon Mensing and Craig Sives will return to the fold tomorrow after missing the defeat to Dumbarton and Declan Gallagher is also free after his one-match suspension. Midfielder Michael McKenna may also make his return to the squad but player/assistant manager Mark Burchill will be absent for the trip to Central Park through an undisclosed injury. Youngster Darren Moffat has also been ruled out.